Ms Naomi Feely:

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue with the Taoiseach. Age Action Ireland was very pleased that the issue was referred to this committee. The information we have received from the Department and in responses to parliamentary questions indicates that savings in the first year following the changes was €10 million and increased by €10 million each year thereafter. If the committee were to reverse the changes and go back to the four bands that were originally in place there would be a cost of approximately €60 million in 2017. It would cost an additional €10 million for each year it were to be maintained. If the payment were backdated, there would be a cumulative cost of approximately €200 million, bearing in mind the yearly €10 million increase.